Apple is reportedly preparing to launch one of its most affordable laptops to date, with a starting price of just $599 under its education programme. Industry insiders, citing a DigiTimes report, suggest the device will enter mass production later this year and hit the shelves in early 2026, marking a significant shift in Apple’s pricing strategy for the MacBook lineup.
A smaller, lighter MacBook in the works
The upcoming model is expected to sport a 12.9-inch display — slightly smaller than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air — making it a more portable option for students and frequent travellers. Unlike the premium Liquid Retina panels in higher-end MacBooks, this display will likely have a lower resolution and brightness to keep costs down.
The device will reportedly be powered by Apple’s A18 Pro processor, the same chip found in the iPhone 16 Pro. While not as powerful as Apple’s M-series processors, the A18 Pro will still support Apple Intelligence — the company’s AI-powered suite of features — offering users a blend of performance and smart functionality.
Weighing less than the current 2.7-pound M4 MacBook Air, the new model could be the lightest laptop in Apple’s range. However, whether it will drop below 2.5 pounds remains uncertain.
Expected specs and design
Though Apple has not confirmed full specifications, early reports suggest a base configuration with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Some analysts are optimistic that Apple might bump this up to 256GB in the entry-level variant, given the growing demand for more onboard storage.
The MacBook will be available in vibrant colour options including pink, blue, and yellow, in addition to traditional shades. This could help Apple appeal to a younger audience, particularly students and first-time Mac buyers.
It is still unclear whether Apple will brand the device under the MacBook Air lineup or revive the simpler “MacBook” naming convention last used in 2019.
Pricing strategy could change the game
The $699 general market price, paired with the $599 education discount, puts the upcoming MacBook well below the current entry-level MacBook Air, which starts at $999 or $899 for students. This lower price point could make it a compelling alternative not just to Windows laptops in the same range, but also to Apple’s own iPad lineup.
For context, Apple’s 11-inch iPad with the A16 chip costs ₹36,900 for students in India. The new MacBook’s keyboard and laptop form factor could sway customers who prefer a traditional computing experience over a tablet.
Industry observers believe the move is aimed at expanding Apple’s share in the highly competitive budget laptop segment, especially in the education sector where affordability plays a key role.
Market impact and competition
Apple’s entry into the sub-$700 laptop market will place it in direct competition with Chromebooks and mid-range Windows laptops, which have dominated schools and universities for years. While these rivals often win on price, Apple’s advantage lies in its ecosystem — seamless integration with iPhones, iPads, and other Apple services.
However, compromises in display quality, storage, and processing power could deter some power users who rely on MacBooks for demanding workloads. The A18 Pro chip, while efficient, is not designed for heavy professional applications like video editing or software development at the same level as Apple’s M-series processors.
Still, for everyday tasks such as note-taking, online classes, video calls, and light creative work, the $599 MacBook could offer more than enough performance.
What to expect next
Mass production is expected to begin by the end of 2025, with a possible announcement in early 2026. If the pricing rumours hold true, the move would mark the first time in years that Apple has released a brand-new MacBook at a sub-$700 price point, signalling a major shift in its approach to attracting budget-conscious buyers.
Apple has yet to officially confirm the product’s name, release date, or exact specifications. But given the company’s focus on AI integration and educational markets, the $599 MacBook could become a key product in its 2026 lineup.